OSHA investigates vineyard worker's deadly accident

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.record-bee.com/ci_9113630

By Elizabeth Wilson--Record-Bee staff
Article Last Updated: 04/30/2008 09:04:03 PM PDT

LAKE COUNTY -- A state investigation into the tragic vineyard worker's death earlier this month is under way. However, no information will be released until the case is closed, which by law Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has six months to complete.

Kate McGuire, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Industrial Relations, the umbrella for Cal/OSHA, said on average investigations take two to three months to complete.

"They first determine factually what happened. Then, they determine whether there were any violations of the health and safety code that contributed or caused the accident. If so, they will issue citations and assess fines," McGuire said.

According to Guadalupe Sandoval, president of Sandoval Bilingual Safety Solutions, which provides safety training and consultation services to employers, most employers have never been inspected by OSHA. Nor will they see an inspector at the worksite unless a serious accident takes place or "in the unlikely event of a worker complaint."


Silvino Eufracio Navarro, 48


"Most employers want to do the right thing, and nobody wants to see a worker injured or killed. No employer wants an OSHA inspector on site, and they certainly don't want the increase in their workers' compensation insurance premiums," Sandoval said.

Silvino Eufracio Navarro, 48, of Upper Lake, was killed April 16 while operating an irrigation pump for frost protection at Clover Valley Vineyards in Upper Lake.

FULL story at link.